Method of processing peat for use in contaminated water treatment

ABSTRACT

A method of processing peat for use in treating a contaminated aqueous solution, especially storm water runoff entering a sewer system. The method includes mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry. The slurry is dried and then mixed with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material. The aggregate material is extruded to form a plurality of pellets. The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1000 degree F. Peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange material as well as an organic retention material. A filter canister for maintaining pelletized peat is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of processing peat and the material produced therefrom. More particularly, it relates to a processing technique for producing inexpensive peat-based pellets having ion exchange and activated carbon-like characteristics for use in contaminated water treatment.

Over the past several decades, the public awareness and concern regarding environmental issues has intensified greatly. To this end, a variety of local, state and federal pollution control agencies have been established to monitor the environment and enforce environmental regulations on individuals, businesses and municipalities. The broad scope of activities encompassed by these agencies illustrates the importance society has placed on controlling potential environmental hazards, including automobile emissions, landfills, industrial emissions, etc.

One extremely important environmental concern is contaminated or waste water. Contaminated water is generated by many different sources. Regardless of the source, the contaminated water must be processed or "decontaminated" before allowed to flow into a natural water source, such as a pond, wetland, marsh, stream or river. For example, with industrial applications, waste water generated by a particular manufacturing plant must, according to state and/or federal regulations, be treated to remove, or at least minimize, toxic or otherwise harmful substances prior to the waste water being distributed into a city sewer system. Similarly, a city or town's sewage treatment facility must treat or decontaminate sewage. An additional, although sometimes overlooked, source of potentially toxic waste water is storm runoff. More particularly, as rain water drains from yards and driveways to the "storm water" sewer system, it accumulates a number of materials including grass clippings, fertilizer, pesticides, oil, metals, etc. Left untreated, these metallic and/or organic contaminants are allowed to flow through the storm sewer system to a nearby retention pond, where they can then contaminate the ground water supply and/or promote uncontrolled growth of bacteria or algae, etc., or directly into lakes, streams or rivers where similar problems can occur.

A number of different waste water treatment methodologies have been developed in recent years. Invariably, the particular technique employed at any one location relates to the type of contaminants otherwise present in the waste water produced by that location. One typical approach for treating contaminated waste water is to direct the waste water through a filtering system. In theory, the filtering system allows relatively "clean" water to flow through while preventing or stopping movement of the contaminant(s). For example, where the waste water contains rocks, paper or other relatively large objects, the filtering system may include a screening. The screening "catches" the rocks, paper and other material, while allowing water to flow through. The contaminant material is later physically removed from the screen. Where, however, the contaminants in question are much smaller and/or dissolved into the waste water, more sophisticated filtering techniques must be utilized.

The general goal behind alternative filtering techniques is to cycle the contaminated water through a filtering medium for which the particular contaminant(s) in question have an affinity. With this configuration, the contaminants attach themselves to the filtering medium, such that "clean" water exits the system. One example is treatment of aqueous solution (such as water) containing cationic metal contaminants. Treatment of a toxic cationic bearing aqueous solution is normally accomplished through the use of a filtering system incorporating an ion exchange resin or medium. Generally speaking, the ion exchange medium acts to adsorb toxic metal cations and/or other toxic cations. In other words, the toxic cations have an affinity for the ion exchange material, which acts to retain or remove the toxic material from the water or other aqueous solution. The ion exchange medium removes the toxic metal cations and replaces them with a more neutral material, such as sodium, oxygen or potassium.

A wide variety of materials are available for use as an ion exchange material. For example, research has been done on the effectiveness of processed peat. Peat is the product of the partial decay of saturated dead vegetation, and is relatively inexpensive. In order for peat to be useful as an ion exchange material, it normally must be sulfonated. This result is typically achieved by treating the peat with a strong sulfonating agent such as sulfuric acid. One example of such a process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,638 in which peat is first milled into particles less than 1 millimeter in diameter, then hydrolyzed, debituminized, and thereafter sulfonated. While the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,638 produces a sulfonated peat material with an improved ion exchange capability, the processing itself is quite expensive and produces only a small quantity of material during each processing cycle. Notwithstanding these potential deficiencies, sulfonated peat is undoubtedly useful as an ion exchange material.

Another common type of contaminant is organic materials, such as hydrocarbons and phosphorous. Activated carbon has been found to be an effective filter medium for organic particles. While activated carbon can successfully remove undesirable organic materials from waste water, activated carbon is quite expensive and requires processing to be useful as a filtering medium.

A variety of other specialized filtration mediums are available for treating contaminated water or other aqueous solutions. While these mediums may be highly effective in addressing certain treatment needs, they typically are quite expensive. Along these lines, there does not currently appear to be an inexpensive, integral filtration medium capable of adsorbing both toxic cations as well as organic materials such as phosphorous. Notably, the above-described rain water runoff is but one example of an aqueous solution containing both toxic cations and undesirable organic material, especially phosphorous.

Pollution control, and in particular treatment of contaminated water, continues to be an extremely important environmental concern. While various ion exchange and organic filtering materials are independently available to facilitate removal of toxic cations or organic contaminants from waste water or other aqueous solutions, the costs associated with these materials are prohibitive. Therefore, a substantial need exists for an inexpensive, natural sorbent for the removal of toxic and harmful metals, along with organic materials, including phosphorous from waste water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved method of processing peat for use as an ion exchange and organic sorbent material in the treatment of contaminated water. The method includes sulfonating a supply of raw peat, such as by mixing the raw peat with heated sulfuric acid, to produce sulfonated peat. The sulfonated peat is then combined with a binder medium, resulting in an aggregate material. The aggregate material is then extruded into a plurality of pellets. Each of the plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven maintained at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1000 degree F (480-540 degree C).

The above-described process results in a peat-based product having ion exchange and activated carbon-like characteristics. The pellets are able to remove toxic cations and certain organics from contaminated water. For example, the peat-based pellets can be used to filter cationic metals and organic phosphorous particles from rain water entering a storm sewer system. Notably, in alternative embodiments, the processing method can be augmented, such as by combining an additional supply of raw peat with the binder medium to improve subsequent extrusion.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a filter canister for maintaining peat-based pellets manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention within a storm sewer system. In one preferred embodiment, the filter canister includes a cylinder, an upper conical filter and a lower porous cone. The upper conical filter is lined with a filter material and is selectively secured to a top of the cylinder such that a vertex of the upper conical filter extends downwardly, into the cylinder. Conversely, the lower porous cone is attached to a bottom of the cylinder such that a vertex of the lower porous cone extends upwardly, into the cylinder. During use, the conical shape and orientation of the upper conical filter and the lower porous cone accumulate various contaminants, sediment and other particles while minimizing any reduction in the volumetric flow through capacity of the filter canister.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method of processing peat for use as a contaminated water treatment material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a filter canister for maintaining peat pellets processed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the filter canister of FIG. 2 installed within a storm sewer system; and

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an alternative filter canister installed within a storm sewer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 provides a step-by-step explanation of a method of processing peat for use as a contaminated water treatment material in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of this specification, the term "contaminated water" is used broadly to include an aqueous solution within which undesirable particles, including metals and phosphorous, are maintained.

As a starting point, peat is a widely available material, a product of the partial decay of saturated dead vegetation. Different varieties of peat are known, for example, being derived from sphagnum moss, reed-sedge moss and humus moss to name but a few. Due to the virtually limitless quantity of naturally occurring peat, peat is an inexpensive compound.

With the above understanding of the term "peat" in mind, a method in accordance with the present invention begins at step 10 by mixing raw peat with a sulfonating agent, preferably sulfuric acid. For example, in one preferred embodiment, a quantity of peat and a volume of diluted sulfuric acid are placed in a large vat. With this example, the sulfuric acid solution has a concentration of less than approximately 20% to minimize potential handling dangers. It should be understood that the sulfuric acid solution may be more or less concentrated. With reference to the preferred 20% sulfuric acid concentration, a peat-to-sulfuric acid ratio of 1-2 pounds peat per 1 gallon of 20% sulfuric acid (0.45-9.0 kg peat: 4.54 liter 20% H₂ SO₄) has been identified as being preferred. Thus, in one example, 72 pounds (33 kg) of raw peat is placed in a large vat and mixed with 45 gallons (204 liter) of 20% sulfuric acid. Prior to placing the peat into contact with the sulfuric acid, the sulfuric acid is preferably heated to boiling in the temperature in the range of approximately 200-215 degree F (93-102 degree C). Alternatively, the sulfuric acid bath may be heated to boiling during the mixing process.

The above-described mixing process continues until a relatively uniform slurry is generated. In this state, the sulfonated peat is fluid-like. Notably, other techniques for sulfonating the peat are available, including the soxlet method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,638. Regardless of the method chosen, a sulfonated peat slurry is provided for further processing. As previously described, sulfonated peat is a weak acid, able to attract cations.

The sulfonated peat slurry is then cooled and partially dried at step 12. For example, the heat source associated with the vat may be removed and the vat left uncovered. Assuming the vat is otherwise exposed to room temperature, the exposed sulfonated peat slurry cools and dries. Under these conditions, the cooling and drying process continues for approximately 1-2 hours. Alternatively, the sulfonated peat slurry may be placed into a cool air dryer so as to expedite the cooling and drying process. Regardless of the exact processing technique, the sulfonated peat slurry is cooled to a temperature below approximately 140 degree F (60 degree C) and dried to a moisture content in the range of approximately 60-70%. In this regard, the key parameter is the moisture content, which is preferably determined through use of a computer-controlled moisture probe. As described in greater detail below, the preferred 60-70% moisture content facilitates subsequent mixing of the slurry with additional components, as well as extrusion processing. Notably, the preferred temperature of less than 140 degree F (60 degree C) is selected solely for handling purposes. By reducing the temperature of the slurry below 140 degree F (60 degrees C), operators are able to perform subsequent processing steps with minimal concern for burning or skin irritation. However, the method of the present invention will perform equally as well at higher temperatures.

At step 14, the sulfonated peat slurry is combined with a binder medium. In one preferred embodiment, the binder medium is a colloidal clay material, preferably bentonite. Bentonite is an inexpensive, colloidal clay composed primarily of dioctehedral smetite. Alternatively, the binder medium is a cellulose-based material. A number of commercially available cellulose-based materials, such as hydroxy ethyl cellulose, able to thicken water based products can be used. The bentonite or other binder medium serves to coagulate the sulfonated peat slurry into a soft, malleable, aggregate material. To assist in this coagulation process, an additional quantity of raw peat may be added to the sulfonated peat slurry. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the aggregate material is generally comprised of approximately 70-90% of the sulfonated peat slurry, approximately 5-15% bentonite and approximately 5-15% raw peat. In a more preferred embodiment, the aggregate material is 80% of the sulfonated peat slurry, 10% bentonite and 10% raw peat. Notably, other percentages are acceptable and are likely dependent upon the particular binder medium employed. The constituents are mixed for a sufficient length of time until a relatively consistent, soft, aggregate material results.

At step 16, the aggregate material is extruded into a plurality of small pellets or balls. In one preferred embodiment, a conveyorized industrial extrusion machine is provided. However, other well known extrusion techniques are equally acceptable. Even further, the aggregate material can be formed into the plurality of pellets by a method other than extrusion. The plurality of pellets need not be uniformly shaped, but preferably have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.1-1.0 inch, more preferably 0.5-0.625 inch. The previously described combination of the sulfonated peat slurry with a binder medium encourages the extrusion process such that each of the plurality of pellets readily maintain their extruded shape.

The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1000 degree F (480-540 degree C) at step 18. In one preferred embodiment, the pellets are baked for approximately 15-30 minutes, more preferably 20 minutes. Baking the pellets at this extremely high temperature has the effect of essentially "carbonizing" a portion of the pellet material. Thus, the baking process dries and chars an outer surface of each of the plurality of pellets. As a result, each of the plurality of pellets has an appearance similar to activated carbon and in fact possess an organic-retention property highly similar to that found with activated carbon. Thus, the charred portion of each of the plurality of pellets is able to retain or adsorb phosphorous particles otherwise present in a contaminated aqueous solution.

In one preferred embodiment, the oven is conveyorized. The conveyor associated with the oven has an adjustable speed such that a large quantity of pellets can be continuously processed during the requisite 15-30 minute bake time. Finally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other temperatures and associated bake times may be used to effectuate the partial "carbonization" of the plurality of pellets.

Finally, at step 20, any undersized particles (or fines) removed and the plurality of pellets cooled. The excess particles or fines are formed by random breakage of an individual pellet and can be removed by a simple mechanical screening process. Although the particulate material can function as an organic absorbent or sorbent, due to its small size, it may be difficult to maintain the particulate within a perforated canister, an example of which is described in greater detail below. The final cooling process may be facilitated by placing the plurality of pellets into a container of water, or the pellets may be allowed to simply cool at room temperature.

The above-described processing technique modifies raw peat into a material having both ion exchange and organic particle retention attributes. In other words, because the peat has been sulfonated, it will adsorb cationic materials, such as toxic metals. Additionally, by subjecting the sulfonated peat-based pellets to intense heat, the material assumes an activated carbon-like feature as well. Thus, similar to activated carbon, the resulting material will attract and retain organic material, such as phosphorous. Finally, via inclusion of a binder material, formation of the peat into a plurality of relatively uniform pellets or balls augments the applicability of the resulted material in a high volume, flow through waste water treatment system.

A variety of primary tests have been performed to evaluate the filtering capabilities of peat processed in accordance with the present invention. These tests were performed both in laboratory settings as well as at actual contaminated water sites.

For example, a gravity drop test was performed under laboratory settings in which 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of peat pellets, fabricated in accordance with the previously described method, were placed in a 4 inch (10 cm) diameter PVC tubing. A number of different samples were initially analyzed, passed through the pellets and then reanalyzed. In a first experiment, pond water was tested and the following results obtained:

    ______________________________________                                              Content Before Processing                                                                      Content After Processing                                                                      Reduction                                  Metal                                                                                        (mg/I)                           (%)                             ______________________________________                                         Pb   1.69            0.02                     98.8                             Zn               6.87                                                                                                                16.2                     Cu               9.91                                                                                                                99.6                     Cr               0.60                                                                                                                96.6                     ______________________________________                                    

A similar test was performed with an oil/water sample. The results obtained were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                              Content Before Processing                                                                      Content After Processing                                                                      Reduction                                  Metal                                                                                   (mg/l)                     (%)mg/l)                                   ______________________________________                                         Pb    5.15             1.16                     77.5                           Zn                18.70                                                                                                            61.1                       Cu                9.8                                                                                                              78.1                       Cr                0.26                                                                                                             69.2                       ______________________________________                                    

In addition to analyzing for various metals in the oil/water sample, a variety of hydrocarbons were also examined. The following results were achieved:

    ______________________________________                                                   Content Before                                                                              Content After                                           Hydrocarbon                                                                                   Processing (μg/l)                                                                     Processing (μg/l)                                                                      Reduction (%)                              Trichloroethene                                                                          31381.6     8118.4      74.1                                         Toluene                                         76.7                           Ethyl Benzene                                                                                      14650.3                                                                                                    87.4                           m&p-xylenes                                                                                         58723.5                                                                                                  81.9                            o-xylenes            21304.7                                                                                                   88.9                           ______________________________________                                    

As expected, the sulfonated peat processed in accordance with the present invention functioned as an ion exchange material, reducing the amount of metal cations present in a particular aqueous solution. Further, a wide variety of organic hydrocarbons were also removed due to the aforementioned "carbonization". Other tests were run to confirm whether peat processed in accordance with the present invention would also act to remove or filter a certain organic material. In this regard, one important organic material typically associated with rain water flowing through a sewer runoff system is phosphorous. Phosphorous imposes distinct environmental concerns for rain water storm drainage systems in that phosphorous greatly accelerates the undesirable growth of bacteria and algae in an associated retention pond or basin. In this regard, a series of samples were taken from different retention ponds and processed through the above-described laboratory gravity drop test. The following results were observed:

    ______________________________________                                         Sample                                                                               Phosphorous Content                                                                           Phosphorous Content                                                                            Reduction                                 No.            Before Processing (mg/l)                                                             After Processing (mg/l)                                                                                    (%)                           ______________________________________                                          1         0.26       0.18             30.7                                    2             0.37             0.26                29.7                        3             39.0            0.57                 98.5                        4             0.29           0.05                  82.8                        5             0.59           0.39                  33.8                        ______________________________________                                    

Finally, a series of on-site tests were performed. In this regard, a large filter canister containing a quantity (approximately 150 pounds (68 kg)) of sulfonated peat pellets manufactured in accordance with the present invention were placed in storm water sewer systems, directly beneath an associated inlet grate. At each site, rain water passed through the grate directly into the pellet-containing canister. After passing through, and therefore being processed by, the pellets, the rain water exited from an opening in the bottom of the canister and was allowed to flow through the remainder of the storm water sewer system. A sample was taken above and below (or upstream and downstream) the canister. The above-described configuration was placed at three separate locations and the following results were obtained:

    ______________________________________                                         Sample                                                                               Phosphorous Content                                                                           Phosphorous Content                                                                           Reduction                                  No.               Upstream (mg/l)                                                                         Downstream (mg/l)                                                                        (%)                                       ______________________________________                                         1     0.68            0.20               70.5                                  2                    0.48                                                                                                         87.5                        3                    1.30                                                                                                         76.9                        ______________________________________                                    

As evidenced by the above experiments, peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange medium as well as an organic material filter. The unique processing technique described herein provides a sulfonated peat pellet having activated carbon-like organic binding characteristics on a cost-effective basis. In fact, peat material processed in accordance with the present invention may be useful as an alternate for activated carbon in certain filtering situations and on a per pound cost being substantially less than that of activated carbon.

As described above, several on-site tests were performed by installing a pelletized peat-containing filter canister within a storm water sewer system. One preferred embodiment of a filter canister 30 is shown in FIG. 2. The canister 30 includes a cylinder 32, an upper conical filter 34 and a lower porous cone 36. The upper conical filter 34 and the lower porous cone 36 are mounted to the cylinder 32 to define an enclosure for maintaining a plurality of peat-based pellets 38 prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention.

The cylinder 32 is preferably an integrally formed body made of a strong, lightweight material. In one preferred embodiment, the cylinder 32 is made from stainless steel, although other metals such as aluminum or sheet metal may also be useful. Even further, a hardened plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or any other polyolefin may be used. The cylinder 32 is sized in accordance with the size of a particular storm sewer catch basin. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the cylinder is sized to have a volume of 30 gallons (136 liters), although any other volume, larger or smaller, may be used.

The upper conical filter 34 includes a frame 40, a handle 42 and filter material 44. The handle 42 and the filter material 44 are attached to the frame 40, which otherwise defines the preferred conical shape.

The frame 40 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as stainless steel, and forms a cone. The frame 40 is sized to provide a frictional fit with the cylinder 32. Thus, the frame 40 has a diameter approximating that of the cylinder 32. The handle 42 is also made of a material similar to that of the frame 40 such that the handle 42 is attached at opposite ends to the frame 40, such as by welds. In this regard, the handle 42 is configured to provide a convenient surface for a user (not shown) to grasp and maneuver the upper conical filter 34.

The filter material 44 is preferably a fabric material defining a plurality of small openings. In one preferred embodiment, the filter material 44 is polymer-based, such as polyester or polypropylene. Other polymeric fabric material may also be useful. Even further, a metal screening may be employed. Regardless of the exact material selected, the filter material 44 must be relatively rigid, able to maintain its integrity under high load stresses. Further, the filter material 44 preferably will not degrade when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods. The filter material 44 is secured to the frame 40, thereby adhering to the conical shape defined by the frame 40. With this construction, the frame 40 supports the filter material 44 when subjected to a load.

The lower porous cone 36 includes a frame 46 and a screen 48. Similar to the frame 40 of the upper conical filter 40, the frame 46 of the lower porous cone 36 is preferably made of metal, forming a cone. The frame 46 is sized to have a diameter approximating a diameter of the cylinder 32. The screen 48 defines a plurality of openings, each having diameter less than a diameter of each of the plurality of pellets 38. Thus, the screen 48 is able to retain the plurality of pellets 38, along with other particulates, such as sand or other sediments, within the cylinder 32. The screen 48 is preferably a metal screen able to maintain its integrity under high loads. The screen 48 is secured to the frame 36, thereby adhering to the conical shape of the frame 46.

The filter canister 30 is assembled by securing the lower conical filter 36 to a bottom of the cylinder 32. For example, the frame 46 is welded to the cylinder 32, although other mounting techniques may also be useful. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower porous cone 36 is assembled to the cylinder such that a vertex of the lower porous cone 36 extends into the cylinder 32. In other words, the lower porous cone 36 extends upwardly (relative to the orientation of FIG. 2) from the bottom of the cylinder 32.

The upper conical filter 34 is configured to be selectively secured to a top of the cylinder 32. As described in greater detail below, the plurality of pellets 38 may be placed into the cylinder 32 prior to attachment of the upper conical filter 34. A user (not shown) may then attach the upper conical filter 34 to a top of the cylinder 32 by simply grasping the handle 42 and positioning the upper conical filter over the cylinder 32 as shown in FIG. 2. More particularly, the upper conical filter 34 is positioned such that a vertex of the upper conical filter 34 extends into the cylinder 32. In other words, the upper conical filter 34 extends downwardly (relative to the orientation of FIG. 2) from the top of the cylinder 32.

During use, the filter canister 30 is placed within a storm sewer system 50 as shown in FIG. 3. The storm sewer system 50 typically includes a number drainage assemblies, each of which has an inlet grate 52, a concrete catch basin barrel 54 and a sewer pipe 56. The inlet grate 52 is positioned approximately at ground level 58, whereas the concrete catch basin barrel 54 and the sewer pipe 56 are below the ground level 58. The concrete catch basin barrel 54 utilized for different drainage systems normally have a "standard" diameter, but may vary in depth. Generally speaking, storm water runoff enters the storm sewer system 50 via the inlet grate 52 and is directed through the concrete catch basin barrel 54 into the sewer pipe 56. The sewer pipe 56 then guides the storm water runoff to a retention pond (not shown) that receives storm water runoff from a number of other drainage assemblies.

The filter canister 30 is preferably loaded with the plurality of pellets 38 before being placed into the concrete catch basin barrel 54, although because the upper conical filter 34 can easily be removed from the cylinder 32, the plurality of pellets 38 can be loaded into the filter canister 30 after placement in the concrete catch basin barrel 54. To this end, the concrete catch basin barrel 54 has a relatively uniform diameter such that the filter canister 30 can be assembled to a "standard" size of approximately 30 gallons (136 liter). Thus, in one preferred embodiment, approximately 150 pounds (68 kg) of pellets 38 are placed into the filter canister 30.

Regardless of when the plurality of pellets 38 are placed within the filter canister 30, the upper conical filter 34 is secured to the cylinder 32. In a preferred embodiment, the filter canister 30 is positioned within the concrete catch basin barrel 54 such that the upper conical filter 34 (and thus a top of the filter canister 30) is adjacent the inlet grate 52. So that water can discharge from the lower porous cone 36, a riser 60 is normally provided. The riser 60 supports the filter canister 30 within the concrete catch basin barrel 54 such that the lower porous cone 36 is above the sewer pipe 56. In this regard, the riser 60 preferably includes a series of space columns otherwise configured to allow water to flow from the filter canister 30 to the sewer pipe 56. Alternatively, the riser 60 may be a perforated tube configured to support the filter canister 30 while allowing water flow to the sewer pipe 56. Further, the riser 60 is preferably sized to position the top of the filter canister 30 just below the inlet grate 52.

During use, storm water runoff enters the storm sewer system 50 at the inlet grate 52 and is directed by gravity to the upper conical filter 34. To this end, an additional funnel (not shown) may be provided to assist in directing storm water runoff to the upper conical filter. The filter material 44 of the upper conical filter 34 acts as a mechanical filter, capturing relatively large contaminants such as grass clipping, sediment, etc. Due to the shape and orientation of the upper conical filter 34, these captured particles will accumulate centrally within the upper conical filter such that the total volume flow capacity of the filter canister 30 is only minimally affected.

The storm water runoff then flows, via gravity, into the cylinder 32 where it is treated by the plurality of pellets 38. As described elsewhere, the plurality of pellets are preferably processed so as to attract and retain toxic metal cations, as well as undesirable organic materials including phosphorous.

The treated storm water runoff then flows, via gravity, to the lower conical filter 36. Once again, the filter material 48 of the lower porous cone 36 acts as a mechanical screen, capturing relatively large contaminants not otherwise captured by the upper conical filter 34. Further, the lower porous cone 36 traps and retains contaminants, sediment and other particles 62 removed from the storm water runoff by the plurality of pellets 38. To this end, the unique shape and orientation of the lower porous cone 36 minimizes the affect the particles 62 would otherwise have on the volumetric flow through capacity of the filter canister 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the upright, conical shape of the lower porous cone 36 directs the particles 62 to a position along an outer periphery of the lower porous cone 36. Further, due to the conical shape of the lower porous cone 36, an increased surface area is provided to maximize the amount of fluid flow from the filter canister 30. If, for example, the lower porous cone 36 had a flat construction, the particles 62 would accumulate over the entire internal surface of the lower porous cone 36, thereby greatly impeding fluid flow.

The treated storm water runoff then exits the filter canister 30 via the lower conical filter 36. The riser 60, as previously described, is configured to allow the treated storm water to then flow to the sewer pipe 56, which then directs the storm water runoff to a retention pond (not shown) or other storm water runoff retention site.

Over time, a large quantity of sediment, grass clippings, etc. may accumulate in the upper conical filter 34. It may, therefore, be necessary to remove these materials from the upper conical filter 34. At regular time intervals, for example every 3-6 months, a user (not shown) removes the inlet grate 52 and grasps the upper conical filter 34 at the handle 42. The upper conical filter 34 is the maneuvered from the sewer system 50 and the accumulated material disposed of.

An alternative embodiment of a filter canister 70 disposed within the sewer system 50 is shown in FIG. 4. The filter canister 70 includes a cylinder 72, an upper conical filter 74, an intermediate porous cone 76 and a lower porous cone 78. A first filtration medium 80 (such as a plurality of pellets) is maintained between the intermediate porous cone 76 and the upper conical filter 74. Further, a second filtration medium 82 (such as a plurality of pellets) is maintained between the lower porous cone 78 and the intermediate porous cone 76.

The filter canister 70 is highly similar in construction and performance to the filter canister 30 previously described, except for the addition of the intermediate porous cone 76. Thus, the lower porous cone 78 is permanently secured to a bottom of the cylinder 72, whereas the upper conical filter 74 is preferably configured to be selectively secured to a top of the cylinder 72. The intermediate porous cone 76 is, in one preferred embodiment, selectively secured within the cylinder 72. For example, the cylinder 72 may include an internal flange (not shown) sized to frictionally maintain the intermediate porous cone 76, although other forms of attachment may be employed.

By including the intermediate porous cone 76, two different types of filtration mediums 80, 82 may be maintained within the filter canister 70. In this regard, the first filtration medium 80 may be designed to remove a first type of contaminant from storm water runoff, while the second filtration medium 82 is manufactured to retain a second type of contaminant.

Assembly of the filter canister 70 is highly similar to that previously described. For example, once the lower porous cone 78 has been secured to a bottom of the cylinder 72 (with its vertex extending into the cylinder 72), the second filtration medium 82 is disposed into the cylinder 72. As shown in FIG. 4, the quantity of the second filtration medium 82 fills approximately one-half of the available volume of the cylinder 72. The intermediate porous cone 76 is then secured within the cylinder 72 such that its vertex extends upwardly relative to the orientation of FIG. 4. The first filtration medium 80 is then placed into the cylinder 72, on top of the intermediate porous cone 76. Finally, the upper conical filter 74 is attached to a top of the cylinder 72 (with its vertex extending downwardly into the cylinder 72). To facilitate fluid flow to the sewer pipe 56, the filter canister 70 is placed on top of the riser 60.

During use, the storm water runoff flows, via gravity, from the inlet grate 52 into the filter canister 70. The upper conical filter 74 acts as a mechanical catch, trapping relatively large particles such as grass clippings, etc. The storm water runoff flows through, and is treated by, the first filtration medium 80 and the second filtration medium 82. The intermediate porous cone 76 and the lower porous cone 78 collect accumulated contaminants, sediment and other particles 84 along an outer periphery, as shown in FIG. 4. To this end, the shape and orientation of the intermediate porous cone 76 and the lower porous cone 78 provide an enlarged surface area to minimize the reduction, if any, on the flow through capacity of the filter canister 70.

As should be evidenced by the above discussion, the filter canister 30 (FIG. 2) or 70 can be constructed to have a number of intermediate porous cones, and therefore filtration mediums. An important feature, however, is the conical shape of the respective porous cones, along with an orientation whereby each of the porous cones (other than the upper conical filter) is upright such that the vertex of each conical filter extends toward a top of the cylinder.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the method of processing peat as described mixing raw peat with boiling sulfuric acid. It should be understood, however, that other sulfonating agents and techniques are available. Similarly, while the peat added to the sulfonating agent has been referenced as "raw peat", the peat may be subjected to various processing before the sulfonating step, including drying, combining with other agents, etc. Additionally, the preferred method has included extruding the sulfonated peat into a plurality of pellets. The pelletized product is more readily retained within a filter-type canister in that a screen filter can be used to maintain the pellets within the canister. However, the sulfonated, "carbonized" peat resulting from the described processing technique will perform equally as well in a granular form. Finally, while the processed peat has been described as preferably being used to treat storm water runoff or waste water, similar results can be achieved with any other contaminant-containing aqueous solutions. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method of processing peat for use in removing organics from an aqueous solution, the method comprising:sulfonating peat to produce sulfonated peat; mixing the sulfonated peat with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material; extruding the aggregate material into plurality of pellets; and baking the plurality of pellets at a temperature in the range of 900-1000 degree F.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein sulfonating peat to produce sulfonated peat includes:mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry; and drying the slurry.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sulfuric acid is heated to a temperature of at least approximately 200 degree F.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the sulfuric acid has a concentration of less than approximately 20 percent.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid includes combining peat and sulfuric acid at a ratio of 1-2 pounds peat: 1 gallon 20 percent sulfuric acid.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein drying the slurry includes reducing the moisture content of the slurry within the range of approximately 60-70 percent.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder medium is cellulose-based.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder medium is a colloidal clay.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the colloidal clay is bentonite.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein mixing the sulfonated peat with a binder medium further includes concurrently mixing the sulfonated peat with an additional quantity of raw peat.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aggregate material formed from mixing the sulfonated peat with a binder medium and a quantity of raw peat is approximately 80 percent sulfonated peat, 10 percent binder medium and 10 percent raw peat.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pellets formed by extruding the aggregate material has a diameter in the range of 0.1-1.0 inch.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein baking the plurality of pellets includes placing the plurality of pellets into an oven for a time period in the range of approximately 15-30 minutes.
 14. The method of claim 1, further including:removing undersized particulate material from the plurality of pellets after baking the plurality of pellets.
 15. A peat-based material for removing organics from an aqueous solution, the material prepared by the processing steps of:mixing dried peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry; drying the slurry; mixing the slurry with a binder to produce an aggregate material; extruding the aggregate material into a plurality of pellets; and baking the plurality of pellets at a temperature in the range of 900-1000 degree F.
 16. The material of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of pellets has a diameter in the range of 0.1-1.0 inch.
 17. The material of claim 15, wherein baking the plurality of pellets includes modifying the pellets to have an activated carbon-like attribute.
 18. The material of claim 17, wherein the activated carbon-like attribute is an ability to retain organic particles. 